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On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. This major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014 has caused tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and has instigated Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. This, too, has resulted in thousand of Ukrainian animal deaths and thousands more have become displaced since the Russian invasion has began.
"There is some irony to this story as 24 Feb is the International War Animal Day," says Nigel Allsopp, President of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO). AWAMO preserves the memory and story of war animals through the establishment of world-class memorials and education programs. AWAMO also directly supports retired Service dogs and other projects helping veterans or animals.
AWAMO has created the Australian Animal Aid to help the animals of Ukraine
"Soldiers, again just like the previous conflict with Russia in 2014, have adopted dogs and cats. In exchange for shelter, warmth and food, the animals give an enormous morale boost to all of the war-weary soldiers. Cuddling the animals makes them forget the horrors of the war for a moment."
A soldier with dogs left behind in the war zone. (Photo supplied by AWAMO)
"The soldiers take great care of the dogs because they are also a huge support in battle working like an alarm when there is a threat, such as when the enemy is nearby. The cats are also a great help to the soldiers. Where there is a cat, everything is alright. They help fight the spread of infectious diseases by hunting down the rats and mice."
In 2022, Allsopp has visited Ukraine and is now even more committed to sending assistance
Many of these animals were abandoned by their families who were forced to leave their homes in war zones. Allsopp shares that left to fend for themselves, these animals would have probably died from starvation had it not been for the kindness of the soldiers. Often these animals have no hope of finding their families again. But many of the soldiers have said they are willing to adopt their four-legged friends once the conflict is over.
"The soldiers feed and look after them. Often a unit’s medic will treat the animals with medical equipment if they need it," Allsopp notes. "Even vodka is used as an antiseptic as a last resort."
Nigel Allsopp (Rtd), Queensland Police Service Dog Handler
Then there are the horses. "Horse owners, riding schools, athletes, breeders, and professionals are in desperate conditions without any resources of saving their horses."
Help is also desperately needed for horses in Ukraine.
Everyone can help is a message that Allsopp wants to emphasise. "A lot of people who might look in the situation and then think 'my God, it's overwhelming.' So here are ways you can support the Ukraine appeal.
1. Buy Ukraine Animal Support Lapel Pins
Military Shop, in partnership with UPAW and AWAMO, has designed these two unique lapel pins. The design displays the Ukraine flag colours with a dog and cat silhouette to symbolise the plight of all the displaced animals during the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the pins will be sent directly to animal welfare organisations in Ukraine.
2. Buy any product from the Purple Poppy Collection
If you do not want to be limited with the lapel pin options, we have an entire collection of Purple Poppy products. The Purple Poppy honours all animals – great and small – who have served alongside our military, search and rescue, and law enforcement. Honor the Ukraine animals, choose from Magnabadges, drink coolers, travel mugs, face masks, and more. Every sale of the Purple Poppy products supports AWAMO, even beyond this cause. 
3. Spread the word with #HelpUkraineAnimals
It has been almost one-year since Russia invaded Ukraine. We are miles away and tend to forget the impact Ukrainians face every day. Help us bring the conversation to the forefront of everyone’s mind and gather support. It is as simple as clicking on the ‘Share’ button below.
Or create your post, like many of our allies. Talk about the situation in Ukraine, about our fundraising cause or even the lapel pin. We will feature your posts on our website and share with our partners in Ukraine.
